Some of Robin's Favorite Christmas Things

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

We are in the 2-week countdown until Christmas 🎄. Yikes! How's it going for you?

I thought I'd get into the Christmas mood and share with you a few of my favorite things.

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First up is this delightful stocking stitched and finished by Fran Tylavsky.  The canvas name is Woodland Territorial Santa (TTAXS440) from Susan Roberts Needlepoint; artist, Liz Goodrick-Dillon. Fran attends my local needlepoint classes at Stitchers Inc in Memphis, TN. She recently became a first-time grandmother, and William is the lucky boy for this stocking.

William is a very lucky boy!
Lovingly stitched by Gran Fran.

Fran stitched and finished this stocking this year... in only 8 months (our first class time was April 1, 2017) all while still working her full time job! Here's one of my photos from our class taken 04/01.

Woodland Territorial Santa
TTAXS440

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Here's one of my favorite things: Teri Ambriz Snowflake Design.

Teri does Snowflakes right!

Teri is a member of the Facebook Needlepoint Nation, and she is a very prolific stitcher. One of her finished pieces had this delightful background. I diagramed it and it is now part of my stitch guide repertoire. Thanks, Teri for your inspiration!

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Every holiday/season needs a special cocktail, and my favorite December go-to is from Chef Mario Batali.

Persephone cocktail
One of my favorite things!

It's called Persephone and has 4 wonderful ingredients: Gin, Rosemary simple syrup, pomegranate juice, and a squeeze of lime.  The Gin & Rosemary play nice together, and the Pom color is very festive. Don't be afraid of making the Rosemary Simple Syrup. It really is simple and Chef Mario includes the how-to, too. Here's the link to Mario's website. http://www.mariobatali.com/recipes/persephone/  It's a must have for those who do.  😊

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Need a quick little stitch? Try the Christmas Trees! Very festive.🎄

A stitch for you!

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Last, but not least: Christmas Lights. Brilliant idea.💡

Christmas Light by Midge King

My sister, Midge, designed and stitched a bunch of these for her Christmas tree. She used the same stitch different across the color families.

Christmas Lights by Midge King

Once done, then she selected another stitch pattern and made another set. Great way to work with your stash. Here's another idea: you could even make the Lights from the threads of your project you worked during the year. 😊

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Well, that's all for now. Would love to hear from you.

Until the next time. HUGS!  Robin

Memphis Needlepointers - part 1

Hi Everybody... Robin here.

One enjoyment about teaching needlepoint is seeing the final results. I might nudge them in a certain direction with stitch suggestions, but it is the stitcher who holds the needle. Their flair and interpretation makes each finished piece unique and wonderful.

There are some delightful ladies who join me for Saturday canvas enhancements in Memphis. Originally, we began stitching at Amy's Golden Strand. Currently, we are at Stitchers Inc. owned by Jan Wentz.

Vicky Rimstidt has been with me the longest. Her range of canvases keeps me on my toes. You might remember some of these stitched by Vicky: Jungle Friends by Jean Smith, and Cat Walk and Dog Walk by Sharon G.

Recently, Vicky finished Blaze (Leigh Deigns #5800). We had the best time on this project. The Leigh Designs canvas was so beautifully painted, so Vicky was game for some open canvas stitches.

One of my most favorite stitches is from Brenda Hart called Diamonds and Pearls. Often I might suggest it as a background stitch, but this time we stitched it for the Horse's body. Love the look.

Another Memphis stitcher is Maelyse Webb. Perhaps you remember the Thanksgiving Group stitched by Maelyse during my Saturday canvas enhancement classes?

Thanksgiving Group by Rebecca Wood
Stitched by Maelyse Webb

Maelyse just finished another beauty: Doggie Day Care by Chris Roberts-Antieau (formerly by Maggie Co.) We had the best time. You can see, right? Who doesn't love a 13 mesh canvas.

These dogs are having too much fun.

Nell Harris travels to Memphis from Little Rock, AR. That's about a 125 mile journey (one way). What an honor. Last year we worked on this Snowy Santa Claus Stocking for her grandson.

Snowy Santa Claus Stocking
Mary Lake Thompson (MLT 01-A)
Melissa Shirley Designs
Stitched by Nell Harris • Stitch Guide by Robin King

Recently Nell finished the Chair. Again, there is a lot to be said about letting the painted canvas show through your stitching.

Open canvas work and Basketweave.

Fran Tylavsky (Research Dr. and Confectioner genius behind Frantic Chocolates) stitches with advanced spirit and speed.

Fran's first piece was the Alexa Stocking. Not only did she stitch it in only a few months, she finished it as well for her daughter-in-law.

Alexa Stocking #7228
Stitched by Fran Tylavsky
Stitch suggestions from Robin King

Recently, Fran stitched the Comedy Tragedy Masks for her daughter. Again, we both loved working on the 13 mesh canvases.

Michelle, Marlene, Benita, Georgette, Linda, Jamie, Laura, and Karen have been busy stitching, too. I will share their progress and accomplishments with you next time.

Until then... Hugs, Robin